Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 5 Episode 19 Review ’Bachelor/ette Party’



***Spoilers Ahead***

Bachelor/ette Party

L-R: Andre Braugher, Andy Samberg, Terry Crews, Joe Lo Truglio. Credit: FOX

One of the most polished episodes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine is season 3's 'Paranoia'. That outing created two entertaining bachelor and bachelorette parties that highlighted the amazing relationships that these characters share. Even though it ended in tragedy and the wedding of Pimento and Rosa was eventually called off, it still goes down as one of my favorite installments of the series. Two years later, the writers attempt to mimic their past success with 'Bachelor/ette Party'. Shockingly, the prelude to the wedding of Jake and Amy does not compare to that of Rosa and Pimento. In fact, it doesn't even hold a candle to its predecessor. 

The bachelor party consists of Jake, Holt, and Terry going on a scavenger hunt that Boyle planned. After struggling to figure things out, they decide to bail on Charles and go to a restaurant. The major issue with this story is that it lacks a joyful atmosphere. Although the episode is meant to be celebratory, it manages to morph into a middling, generic plot about the trio letting down Boyle. Having the three not partake in the scavenger hunt robs the viewer of what would have been an exciting ride full of different surprises. Instead, we're met with a story that strips away the purpose of the scenario. Moreover, 'Bachelor/ette Party' wears out the trope of Boyle idolizing Peralta. While Boyle's severe admiration of Jake is always played for laughs, it feels incompatible with a milestone episode that's meant to usher in a new chapter for the squad. Additionally, Charles has shown in the past that Jake's not always his main priority. Season 4's 'The Night Shift' demonstrated how he has to put his son Nickolaj before Peralta. Because of this, Boyle's cartoonish worship feels downright stale in this outing. It regresses his character and puts him near caricature territory. Amidst the bad, Holt's drunken behavior acts as the saving grace of a rather weak plotline. Although it's nothing new to have the captain leave his expressionless comfort zone, Raymond's outbursts are still wildly amusing and entertaining. Other than that, the laughs are dispensed at a minimum. I felt just as irritated as Boyle that the writers threw out a perfectly good scavenger hunt plot and turned it into a significantly less engaging ordeal.

Amy's bachelorette party doesn't help the episode's case in any way. Her story focuses on embracing her wild side and yet doesn't even involve her signature stages of drinking. Once more, the actual party doesn't occur and the story shifts to a tedious quest to get Amy's ex-boyfriend to not perform at Amy and Jake's wedding. Aside from Hitchcock and Scully's Empire-influenced distraction and Santiago burning the document, nothing playful or interesting occurs. Also, Kylie serves no purpose here and is essentially reduced to Gina's punching bag. Kylie could have been an interesting character, but she was never properly developed and has rarely appeared throughout the series. The writers certainly should have taken a page from 'Paranoia' and had the ladies tear down an abandoned restaurant or play a game of paintball. To add insult to injury, this story doesn't even feel like it's meant for the occasion. This plot could have functioned without the bachelorette party backdrop. Ultimately, this story just feels like a huge missed opportunity.  

'Bachelor/ette Party' had a lot to live up to and did not come within striking distance of doing so. Given the setting, neither story felt appropriate and both were poorly executed. Hopefully, the actual wedding episode ends up being significantly more entertaining. It may not be the worst episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, but it betrays its setup and ends up being more of a filler episode than a landmark one. 


Miscellaneous 
  • Last time, Boyle was at the bachelorette party. This time, it was Hitchcock and Scully. 
  • 'Name of your sextant tape.'
  • Last week, Adrian Pimento complained about how Jake has shut him out of his life. This week, he's not invited to Jake's bachelor party.
  • I like how Terry knew Reginald VelJohnson from Family Matters instead of Die Hard. 

Grade: C+


What did you think of 'Bachelor/ette Party'?

Great
Good
Okay
Bad
Awful
Created with Survey Maker



Leave your thoughts on this episode in the comment section below.

Friday Cable Ratings 4/27/18: Muppet Babies Nears Season High as Real Time Nears Season Low

Below are the Top 25 programs on cable on Friday, 4/13/18. Items of note include Muppet Babies on Disney, Live PD on A&E, and The Paynes on OWN.
(Note: Click the name of any show with its title in purple or blue to be taken to its page in the TV Ratings Guide Cable Ratings Database.)
Show
Network
18-49 Viewers
Viewers (mil.)
NBA: OK City v. UtahESPN1.483.60
NBA: Cleveland v. IndianaESPN1.393.64
SportscenterESPN0.81.74
NFL DraftESPN0.752.03
Live PDA&E0.611.87
NFL DraftESPN20.541.56
Gold Rush: Parker's TrailDiscovery0.461.97
NFL DraftNFL0.391.15
SportscenterESPN0.340.80
Live PDA&E0.321.02
Bering Sea GoldDiscovery0.31136
Real Time with Bill MaherHBO0.31.68
House HuntersHGTV0.31.49
House Hunters InternationalHGTV0.291.41
Diners, Drive-Ins & DivesFood 0.290.94
NFL LiveESPN0.240.57
NHL: Winnipeg v. NashvilleNBCSN0.240.79
Ancient AliensHistory0.241.04
First TakeESPN0.230.54
College GamedayESPN0.220.51
Evil StepmothersInvest. Discovery0.210.85
Muppet BabiesDisney0.210.85
SportscenterESPN0.20.46
NFL Total AccessNFL0.20.51
Get UpESPN0.20.43




Highlights Below the Chart:


The Ingraham AngleFox News0.192.06
The Last WordCNN0.181.48
HannityFox News0.172.46
Deadline: White HouseMSNBC0.161.21
Erin Burnett OutFrontCNN0.160.81
Morning JoeFox News0.151.21
The Lead with Jake TapperCNN0.130.84
Velshi & RuhleMSNBC0.120.92
WolfCNN0.120.79
At This HourCNN0.110.67
The PaynesOWN0.10.45
Wyatt Cenac's Problem AreasHBO0.040.21

Sunday TV Ratings 4/29/18: The Simpsons Rises for Milestone Episode, Timeless Rises (UPDATED)

It was a dominant night for ABC last night, as American Idol soared for its live 'round the nation Disney episode, up two tenths in the fast nationals (ratings will not be accurate for the show until finals due to its live nationwide nature, so stay tuned for then). Both its lead-in and lead-out also climbed two tenths from last Sunday's airings (Deception was also up one tenth from its Tuesday airing). NBC also had some good news for its low-rated lineup, as nightly bookends Dateline and Timeless each gained a tenth. The CBS lineup had a somewhat-strange night, with lead-off show 60 Minutes gaining a tenth and NCIS: Los Angeles sank a tenth to tie its low. The other members of the lineup held steady. On Fox, a record-breaking episode of Simpsons wasn't enough to give it an uptick, but the rest of the lineup (sans Bob's Burgers) was up, with each rising a tenth.

Finals Update: The Simpsons (+0.1) and American Idol (+0.2) adjusted up.
Time
Show
18-49 Ratings
Viewers (mil)
Channel
7 PMAmerica's Funniest Home Videos1.2/65.84ABC

60 Minutes0.8/48.95CBS

Dateline NBC0.7/44.24NBC

Bob's Burgers (R)0.5/31.50Fox
7:30 PMBob's Burgers0.8.41.89Fox
8 PMAmerican Idol1.9/88.77ABC

The Simpsons1.0/42.47Fox

Little Big Shots0.8/46.02NBC

Instinct0.6/37.04CBS
8:30 PMBrooklyn Nine-Nine0.9/41.96Fox
9 PMFamily Guy1.0/42.28Fox

NCIS: Los Angeles0.7/37.48CBS

Genius Junior0.6/23.70NBC
9:30 PMThe Last Man On Earth0.7/31.79Fox
10 PMDeception0.8/43.70ABC

Timeless0.6/32.62NBC

Madam Secretary0.6/35.99CBS

The Top 10 Recurring Characters from the Simpsons

The Simpsons recently became TV's longest-running scripted show, surpassing Gunsmoke in episode count. As a huge fan of the series, I'd like to celebrate this occasion with this post. I'll be counting down my 10 favorite characters from the series long history. While there are many iconic and hilarious recurring characters, these are my personal favorites. In order to keep this list to only the recurring characters, regulars like the Simpson family, Flanders, and Mr. Burns will be excluded from the list.

Honorable Mentions: Willie, Jasper, Mona, Mayor Quimby
All four of these characters are great, but ultimately, not among my ten favorites. They each have their own unique quirks that make them great characters, but they fell short of the list.


#10- Nelson Muntz
Ha-ha! Nelson is the reason for one of the most iconic on the show, delivering that famous line in pretty much every episode that he's in. That, of course, is a good thing, as the catchphrase of everyone's favorite school bully manages to still be funny all these years later. But Nelson is more than just his catchphrase, as he is consistently a very funny background character that really shines when he's given the spotlight. I'd love to see more Nelson-centric storylines on the show in the near future.

#9- Comic Book Guy
Worst character ever! This is not a thing that I can say about Comic Book Guy, someone so incredibly unpleasant that you can't help but laugh at him. He's very moody, but he brings the laughs when he's on the screen. He doesn't really have any amazing episodes centered around him, but he really is best in small doses.

#8- Hans Moleman
Springfield's unluckiest resident, Hans Moleman, is a strange character. He somehow makes me feel guilty for laughing at him, but that's his charm. He always manages to get into the worst situations possible, and never gets lucky. That's what makes him so hilarious, though. You can't help but laugh at him getting into insane situations, and getting critically injured in the process. I swear, it's funnier than it sounds!

#7- Fat Tony
Who doesn't love mobsters? Oh, most people? Well, I think we can all agree that Fat Tony is pretty great. The episode of his introduction, Bart the Murderer, is a true Simpsons classic. It was the first of many classic episodes that remind us all of why we love this seemingly unlovable character. Morally, he's not great. Buy comedically? He's wonderful! Just an absolutely hilarious recurring character that always brings laughs.

#6- Santos L. Halper Santa's Little Helper
Santa's Little Helper doesn't deliver the same great one-liners that most of the other characters on this list deliver. Because he's a dog. I still love him though, because he's just so cute. The first episode of the show focused on SLH, and his relationship with Bart, as seen in Bart's Dog Gets an F, is one of the best and most touching on the show. There's no relationship more touching than a boy and his dog. Even if that boy is the biggest troublemaker on all of TV.

#5- Sideshow Bob
Sideshow Bob is the most insane character on the Simpsons, sure. But that doesn't mean that he's not a great part of the Simpsons universe. The peril that he always adds to a Simpsons episode helps kick it into high gear, making for episodes that are (almost) always enjoyable. There's a reason why this role has won Kelsey Grammer an Emmy award.

#4- Krusty the Clown
Krusty the Clown is not a pleasant person, that much is a fact. He is, however, a very funny person. The grouchy clown is a Springfield institution, beloved by Springfield's children and Simpsons viewers. He's had so many great moments on the show, and is always a welcome face. He's the only clown I like!

#3- Apu Nahasapeemapetilon
Apu has been a controversial character as of late, but I still love him for what he is. He's one of the good ones in Springfield, showing kindness and making the audience laugh all at one time. The Much Apu About Nothing episode is one of the show's best, and is Apu's biggest moment in the show. He helped the show make some great social commentary, all while getting a great storyline to shine. That's when I really fell for Apu.

#2- Edna Krabappel
Edna Krabappel, teacher of Bart and wife of Ned Flanders, was always one of the show's most pointed and well-crafted caricatures. She hated being a teacher, mostly because of Bart, and was the perfect satire of the stereotypically uninterested American teacher. However, there was more to her than just that. Episodes featuring her relationship with bane of Homer's existence Ned Flanders gave her a softer side that made her more than just Springfield's unhappiest teacher. Voiced by the late, great Marcia Wallace, Mrs. Krabappel truly was one of a kind. In both good and bad ways.

#1- Patty and Selma Bouvier
These two recurring characters may not be Homer's favorite people, but they sure are some of my favorite characters on the show. Marge's grouchy, never-nice sisters are some of the funniest on the show and I always love to see them pop up. The chainsmoking DMV workers are both great characters in their own right, but together they're absolutely wonderful. I'm not even ashamed to say that when they get in arguments with their dim-witted brother-in-law Homer, I mostly root for Patty and Selma. They're just that great.


Now I'd like to know what you think! Who are your favorite recurring characters? Let me know in the comments below and vote in the poll!


2017-18 Week 31 Sitcom Scorecard -- Speak Easy and Carry a Big Rating

Written in Spiritual Form by Bridger Cunningham

ABC all but took the week off to allow failing sitcom Alex, Inc to die awash in a sea of reruns, as well as CBS giving their three surviving Monday sitcoms the night off.  This left a scant 16 helpings to kick off May sweeps.  Sunday, April 22 left FOX's sitcoms observing Earth Day and sparing ratings above the 1.0 mark.  Bob's Burgers (0.8) and The Simpsons (0.9) reduced their carbon footprint by a tenth as Brooklyn 99 (0.8), Family Guy (0.9) and Last Man on Earth (0.6) reused last week's ratings.  CBS took Monday off after planning on burning off Living Biblically, rather shipping it off to Camp Fractional Lake early.  Kii kiii haaa haaa....

ABC gave its Tuesday helpings April 24 off, leaving FOX with its scant two fractional lessons.  LA>Vegas (0.7) inched up a tenth as New Girl (0.6) held steady.  Wednesday, April 25 was a tell as ABC squashed Alex Inc into two helpings in the half-hour slots, forecasting the next casualty on ABC's chopping block.

Thursday, April 26 delivered harsh blows for both networks.  CBS' The Big Bang Theory (2.0) marked a season low after dropping four tenths, while Young Sheldon (1.8) tied its series low.  Mom (1.3) held steady, as Life in Pieces (1.0) dropped a tenth.  Over at NBC, Superstore (0.7) and AP Bio (0.5) also met new lows, as Champions (0.4) remained steady and low.

Curious about what the hell to watch next week?  It appears 25 original helpings of sitcoms are available to watch.  Check out http://www.ontvtonight.com/guide/ to see what the networks have scheduled for viewers to enjoy or if they will be loading viewers full of repeats.


10 Sitcoms In The Renewal Speak Easy
Inside "The Renewal" speak easy lies four tables with ample room.  Poised at the largest ABC table resides The Goldbergs and Modern Family, who earned their pass last season, and Roseanne, who earned her pass after one episode lifted her sagging network into a tie for 3rd Place.  4-5 more seats remain, albeit shows such as Fresh Off The Boat or Speechless may have to sit on Roseanne's lap.
Next door at the equally large CBS table rests The Big Bang Theory, who also earned their renewal last season.  They were joined by fresh and impressive newbie Young Sheldon last fall, and veteran Mom rounded out the Chuck Lorre trio on a table which seats 6.  Man With a Plan or Superior Donuts may have to stand and wait for a timeslot on one of CBS' two evenings. 
On a smaller table of four rests the NBC entries.  Will & Grace not only earned an entry into the elite establishment through 2019 before premiering, but also an entry for the 2019-20 season during the current.  The next entry was sturdy The Good Place, followed by schedule straddling Superstore.  Two shows may enter the establishment, and given W&G and TGP only use their seats 13-17 episodes a season, may present future vacancies. 
 FOX currently holds a table large enough to handle 5-6 sitcoms fit for Sunday, and may pull up a table to expand for another evening.  The lone sitcom arrogantly stationed on this table is The Simpsons, who were granted multiple return entries to "The Renewal" seasons ago (though they haven't deserved it in some time).  All are pleased to be served by Hector Elizondo in character of his Last Man Standing persona, as he reminds the folks "Be glad you have earned your entries early.  As the bouncer has a right-winged chip on his shoulder..."
2 Sitcoms Exit the Speak Easy
After 7 and 9 seasons of enjoying spirits, The Middle and New Girl bowed out and left the establishment of their own free volition.  Enjoy their final drinks of laughter in the upcoming weeks. 
21 Sitcoms Eager to Gain Entry
So many sitcoms, so few spaces at the four network table.  All are shocked to find Tim Allen in his Mike Baxter persona guarding the door.  "Hey, aren't you Tim the Tool Man Taylor?" cracked 9JKL.  "Nope, like your show, he went out of style with the 90's.  Moving on, would everyone please flash your cards?"  The sitcoms all displayed varying numbers from -5 to 100.  "Alright, We go from oldest to first, meaning the 100's file to the front." Mike stated.  "Like your show used to be." Sniped Ghosted.  "And likely how your show were to rate if it touched ground in Spring.  Alright let's file to the front by that number and the highest second number.
100% -- Certain Renewal.

Mike Baxter first called American Housewife, which enjoyed an impressive 2nd season in 11th Place.  "Your show underwhelmed on Wednesdays behind Modern Family.  But guess what?  So did the rest of that lineup!  Your key word is 'Sturdy.'  Not a weight play, but your ability to avoid doing fractions for an entire season."  Next in line, Mike Baxter called on Black-ish.  "Your show also underwhelmed on Tuesdays, and your orange hate is so 2017."  At this moment, the Speak Easy door blasted open, with Roseanne berating her Tuesday neighbor.  "Your show couldn't even come within 2 points of my masterpiece, and you still insist on blaming 'him' for all your problems!"  Sniped Roseanne.  "Back off, ma'am.  We don't support hatred." piped Black-ish's Andre.  "My show had all races and sexual orientations years before your show made it trendy.  You know what the problem is with haters..."  Roseanne roared.

At that moment, Mike Baxter slammed the door shut.  "To think she supported that pantsuit in the 90's.  Time to leave politics out of renewals.  Anyway, your show is well received by critics and is portable.  Your word of entry is 'Acclaim.'  Keep it handy as it it your card to play."  Skipping over Black-ish, Mike moved on the Kevin Can Wait.  "It seems your ratings had to wait in Spring, but you also hold the most weight on your schedule.  Your password is 'Weight.'  Keep it heavy in the fall."  Mike trolled down the line to veteran Family Guy.  "Again, your show is down this season.  But what else is FOX going to serve us?  Your magic word is 'Always.'  As in FOX always forgets to announce your renewal till later yet needs you."  Life in Pieces flashed their card.  "You enjoyed a decent season on an improved Thursday." Pointed out Baxter.  "You may move, but CBS seems to like your kind as you do not force the laughs.  Keep the word 'Departure' handy.  Not as in you're departing the schedule, but departing a repetitive tone."

Mike moved down the line to the last two contenders.  "Bob's Burgers, you were oft thought to be the weakling on the schedule.  And yet you are improving this year and have a landmark achievement coming.  Hang on to the phrase 'Big Picture' as your movie debuts in 2019.  Well done.  And Fresh Off The Boat?  Your order was trimmed late as you are just there.  But guess what?  So many of your sitcom kind are today, so get to know the word 'Spackle.'  You are an ideal choice to fill the unwanted holes in 2018-19."

Likely Renewals

Mike Baxter called out the next three singletons who each ranked 70, 80 and 90 percent likely renewal.  First up was Man With a Plan.  "You seem like my kind of guy.  A middle aged man trying to make sense out of the world around us.  Why aren't you 100%?" Asked Mike.  "The network benched us, and we've delivered a few fractions." remarked Adam Burns.  "We think we're in, but if the network tries to cut comedies for dramas or Reality TV, we're kaput."  Mike countered "As much as I appreciate your realistic and responsible response, CBS has old legs to stand on with dramas.  Just check out Wisdom of the Crowd.  Your show does make a nice fit with Kevin Can Wait though.  Your password is 'Compatible.'

Next, Mike Baxter pointed to Splitting Up Together.  "It's a pity your show isn't batting 100%, but you are too new to hold that advanced honor and sit at 80%.  The 4 outings you have had though have rated impressively considering your show sits on a manhole for ABC's Tuesday night.  Your word to pass is "Improvement."  Mike looked at Superior Donuts, who was batting 70%.  "Your show delivered mediocre ratings last fall.  And yet springtime is here, and you're at that same bar you were last fall while others are sinking.  You will likely be benched next fall, but CBS would be foolish to ditch you now.  Your word is "'Yeast.'  Load up the donuts with it, and perhaps your ratings will see more outings above 1.0."

Blowing Bubbles

Five shows exist in the bubble range, all raking in the Anemic Classification in the chart, four of which belong to FOX.  Mike Baxter raised a football to these next five shows.  "You see this folks?  This is a symbol of American greatness which is threatening your shows.  For the FOX shows, this will be the symbol of your network acquiring Thursday Night Football outright and the dramas doing so well.  Why let a bunch of fractional jokes take the place of dramas doing well?  And as for AP Bio, your saving grace is so many shows did lousy this year and NBC has few options to fill their schedule.  Your password is 'Filler.'  As in NBC will only use you due to lack of options."

"Brooklyn 99, you were on death's doorstep in the fall and made impressive rebounds this spring.  Your show is getting old, and a full season run next year is unlikely.  Your password is 'New Girl.'  As in FOX may give you the New Girl treatment next year with a shortened season.  The Mick, your show has an impressive episode order, though your ratings pout like a welfare recipient.  Your pass is 'Crass.'  Last Man on Earth, you are losing steam.  You are losing ground rapidly, and could easily enjoy a final season.  Your passcode is 'Lousy,' as in you hold down a lousy timeslot.  Ghosted, you squandered a great development space and vaporized into thin air.  Your passcode is 'Prayer.'  We all know LA>Vegas needs one, as their passcode is 'Gas' as FOX will only use this show to refuel.  All of you five are likely to defend your titles next week."

Likely Cancelled

Four shows remained, awaiting their passwords.  Mike Baxter never bothered giving them passcodes, as they know they need to break into the Speak Easy to drink.  What will become of Alex Inc, 9JKL, Great News and Champions?

3 Sitcoms Nowhere to Be Found
Me, Myself & I disappeared from sight on October 30.  The Mayor last aired in December and was impeached on January 4.  And CBS used Living Biblically's favorite vice to spank it off the schedule on April 19.  All appear to be casualties of the season, though none have been officially declared dead/cancelled by their networks.
What is Next?


Week 32's Passage of The Sitcom Scorecard explores the annual "Between Heaven and Hell" theme, featuring 24 sitcoms pleading their cases for renewal.  Stay tuned as the sitcoms take a dramatic turn in their fight for renewal.